Antique Silver Caddy Spoons
Small, charming and endlessly varied — the caddy spoon was made to measure tea from the caddy. Shell, leaf, hand and jockey-cap forms by celebrated Georgian makers make them a favourite with collectors. A guide to identifying, dating, valuing and selling antique silver caddy spoons in the UK.
What Is Your Silver Caddy Spoon Worth?
Send a photo — including the marks on the handle — and we'll value it free, with no obligation. We reply within one working day.
Few small pieces of antique silver are as collectable as the caddy spoon. Made to lift tea from the caddy, they came in a wonderful range of fanciful shapes — shells, leaves, eagle wings, hands and jockey-caps — and the rarest forms by Birmingham and Georgian makers command prices far beyond their modest size and weight.
Silver caddy spoons: what they are
A caddy spoon is a short-handled spoon with a wide, shallow bowl, used to scoop tea leaves from a tea caddy. They appeared from the 1770s as tea drinking spread, and makers competed in novelty: shell, leaf, acorn, eagle-wing, hand and jockey-cap bowls are all known. Birmingham makers such as Joseph Willmore and Matthew Linwood were prolific, and rare die-stamped or cast forms are the most prized.
What collectors look for
Rare forms
Eagle-wing, hand, jockey-cap and figural bowls command premiums over plain shell or fiddle shapes.
Named makers
Joseph Willmore, Matthew Linwood, Hester Bateman and other noted makers add value.
Early date
Georgian caddy spoons (1770s–1830s) are the most collected; the hallmark dates the piece.
Crisp condition
Sharp die-stamping, no splits or wear to the bowl, and clear, undamaged hallmarks.
What are antique silver caddy spoons worth?
Caddy spoons are valued on form, maker and date — not weight — so the range is wide:
Indicative only — your spoon depends on form, maker, hallmark date and condition. Send a photo for a free, accurate valuation.
What Determines Value
The factors we assess on a silver caddy spoon:
- Form — Rare eagle-wing, hand and jockey-cap over plain shell.
- Maker — Willmore, Linwood, Bateman and noted makers.
- Date — Georgian spoons most collected; the hallmark dates it.
- Crispness — Sharp die-stamping and undamaged bowl.
- Marks — Clear, complete hallmarks (often in the handle).
- Condition — No splits, repairs, erased crests or wear.
Marks are usually in the handle — look for the lion passant for sterling. Plate is marked EPNS.
How to identify and date your caddy spoon
Look along the handle (and sometimes the back of the bowl) for the lion passant (sterling), town mark, date letter and maker's mark — many of the best are Birmingham (anchor) marked. Plated spoons stamped EPNS are worth far less; see our EPNS vs sterling silver guide. The date letter dates it — use our how to read silver hallmarks guide. Because caddy spoons are light, the silver price valuation guide matters far less here than the form and maker.
Caddy spoons go hand in hand with tea silver. See our guides to Georgian silver tea caddies, silver tea services and Paul Storr silver. When you're ready to sell, visit sell your silver.
Value Your Caddy Spoon
Send photographs of the spoon and the marks in the handle, and we'll give you an honest, no-obligation valuation.
⚠️ Strictly by appointment only — no walk-ins at either showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Antique silver caddy spoons — common questions.
What is a silver caddy spoon?
A short-handled spoon with a wide, shallow bowl used to scoop tea leaves from a tea caddy. Made from the 1770s, they came in fanciful shapes — shell, leaf, eagle-wing, hand and jockey-cap among them.
How much is an antique silver caddy spoon worth?
From a modest sum for a plain shape up to a high collector premium for rare forms (eagle-wing, hand, jockey-cap) by sought-after makers. Form, maker and date — not weight — decide. Send a photo for a free valuation.
Why are some caddy spoons so valuable?
Caddy spoons are a popular single-category collecting field, and certain novelty forms and makers are scarce. Collectors pay strongly for rare shapes in crisp condition, far beyond the small silver weight.
How do I tell sterling from plate?
Look for the lion passant hallmark, usually in the handle. Plated spoons are marked EPNS or A1 and are worth far less. Send a photo of the marks and we'll confirm.
Where are the hallmarks on a caddy spoon?
Most often stamped along the handle, sometimes on the back of the bowl. Many fine examples are Birmingham-marked (anchor town mark). Clear, complete marks support value.
Where can I sell an antique silver caddy spoon in the UK?
Mozeris Fine Antiques are specialist silver buyers with showrooms in Mayfair, London and Braintree, Essex. We offer free, no-obligation valuations — send photos or visit by appointment.
Send Us Your Photographs
Attach photos of the spoon and the marks in the handle. We'll respond within one working day.